Miksa Róth, the master of stained glass windows and mosaics, was an internationally acclaimed Hungarian artist who worked for the Imperial and Royal Court. His marvellous creations can be seen all over the world: in Austria, the Netherlands, or even in a dome in Mexico.
Yet, for some reason, a lot of Hungarians ( that included me up until a few weeks ago) have no idea who this person was and what he had accomplished. It may be due to the lack of education in Hungarian secession, or inadequate advertising but unfortunately, Miksa Róth's art gets much less attention than it would deserve; both in Hungary and on an international level. (Secession : an Austrian school of art and architecture parallel to the French art nouveau in the 1890s).
Exactly a week ago, together with my two companions we set out on a mission to get acquainted with Miksa Róth's lifework. His family's memorial house is situated not far from the Budapest Keleti Railway Station, in Nefelejcs street 26. The place can be found quite easily, except when 3 women (e.g. me and my companions) fail to look up their destination on a map, get off at the wrong station and end up having a long walk amidst the heavy snowfall. Oh well, what is a real adventure without a little exitement? However, I trust my fellow 'treasure hunters' to be better prepared and use Google maps before they leave home.
 |
| Stained Glass Painter of the Imperial and Royal Court |
On the second floor is the exhibition itself, with three huge rooms (dining room, living room, and bedroom) perfectly preserved, and several halls to display Miksa Róth's most beautiful creations. For those who are eager to learn and want to get the most out of the experience I strongly suggest to read every word of the Exhibition Guide booklet, which the museum provides in English as well as in Hungarian.
Though visitors can guide themselves through the rooms easily, I have to remark upon the fact that the enthusiasm and warm welcome we received from the staff was unprecedented and made this visit an unforgettable one. Me and my friends ended up having a long conversation with a lovely museum guide lady, while sitting at Miksa Róth's living room table, in his chairs ( which are absolutely comfortable, if I might add). Now is the time to mention that nothing in these rooms is isolated, therefore visitors can admire the beauty of each and every object, furniture, and painting up close; touch the linens and the old curtains; and let this intimate atmosphere suck them in. Everyone will find something enchanting here: the walls crowded with paintings, the vitrines filled with personal artifacts, the gorgeously decorated fruit bowl on the living room table, or the ink bowl on Miksa Róth's desk, to mention a few favourites of mine. The halls with the paintings provide further pleasure. Those in love with secession will have, without a doubt, a once in a lifetime experience.
 |
| Nocturnal Landscape with Lilies |
 |
| Saint Martin of Pannonia ( the patron saint of my village, Vámoscsalád) |
 |
| Stained glass window with peacock motifs from the Alpár Mansion |
I can honestly say that this memorial house visit was the finest cultural experience that I have encountered recently, including the Cézanne exhibition a few days before.
Why visit?
- stunning visual experience
- no crowd - intimate, charming atmosphere
- cheap
Tips:
- visit the memorial house without further preparation or research, to have an enthralling experience
- leave the exhibition hall on the ground floor for last
Miksa Róth Memorial House
District VII. - Nefelejcs street 26
Tuesday-Sunday: 2pm-6pm
(A big thanks to my friends for accompanying me on my treasure hunt, taking photos and scanning my greeting cards.)
Photos taken by: Dóra Szíjártó
